The American League win streak record was broken last weekend in baseball as the Cleveland Indians won their 21st straight game. The streak ultimately ended at 22, which is two more straight wins than the previous record, set by the famous 2002 “Moneyball” Oakland A’s.
The Indians run started on Aug. 23 with a 13-6 win over the Boston Red Sox at home and ended with a nail-biter at home in a 3-2 win in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 26.
The Indians also beat the MLB’s longest win streak, which was 21 games by the 1935 Chicago Cubs, however the 1916 New York Giants went unbeaten for 26 games. The controversy comes because the Giants had a tie in the middle of the streak, so technically they still hold the record.
During the streak, the Indians were in true domination mode, outscoring their opponents 142-37. That adds up to a 105-run differential, and 13 of the wins were by four runs or more. They also dominated on defenses, boasting a 1.77 ERA from their starting pitchers.
Trevor Bauer, the pitcher that lost the 23rd game, also lost the 23rd game after a 22-game win streak in college. At the press conference after the loss, Bauer was asked what he learned from this.
“That 22-game win streaks aren’t kind to me,” Bauer said. “It’s the second one I’ve blown. In 2010 at UCLA we started off 22-0 and I was the losing pitcher in that game, too. Have someone else pitch for 23.”
The Indians took over the number one spot in the American League during the streak, and also clinched a postseason spot. As of Sept 18, they hold a one and a half over the Houston Astros with 12 games left to play. They are also three and half games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have the best record in the MLB. Gaining first place overall would mean guaranteed home-field advantage.
Even though Cleveland lost the World Series last season to the Cubs while playing games 6 and 7 at home, that would be a huge advantage to have, considering the Indians have won 45 games at home this year, putting their home record second in the AL and fourth overall. Every advantage possible would be ideal for a team trying to win their first championship in 69 years.
Paul Helmers
Reporter